"Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Women in India's Higher Education System"

A significant transformation in India's higher education system is defining values and breaking barriers. The latest findings of the All India Higher Education Survey (AISHE) 2021-22 highlight a successful path emphasizing inclusivity, growth, and empowerment. The transformation is the rise of female enrollment, which represents a profound change in the gender dynamics of education and is at the root of this revolutionary shift.

The increasing presence of women in higher education, from the bustling corridors of universities to the silent halls of research institutes, represents a shift from male-dominated higher education. The number of women enrolled in higher education institutions has increased steadily over time, and the most recent AISHE report showed a significant milestone: the number of female students now exceeds that of male students.

An incredible 32% increase in women enrollment in higher education institutions from the figures of 1.5 crore recorded in the academic year 2014–15 has been significantly increased to 2.07 crore in 2021–2022. In the last 5 years, the number of women enrolled increased by 18.7 %. This pattern does not limit itself to undergraduate programmes; it is likewise significantly moving into the field of PhD studies, where women establish themselves in historically male-dominated fields of study. Not only is the notable increase in female enrollment in PhD programmes a statistical anomaly, but it also reflects women's increased desires and capabilities to pursue higher education and make significant contributions to research and academia.

Central to this narrative of progress is the idea of gender equality as the foundation of inclusive education. For the 18-23 age group, the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), an essential indicator of the number of students enrolled in higher education relative to the eligible population, is 28.4 (based on population data from the 2011 census). The state-by-state variation, however, is a national Gender Equality Index (GPI) of 1.01, indicating disparity in favour of women. It is positive to know that 26 states and union territories have gender-neutral GEAR, suggesting a deliberate effort to reduce the gender gap in education.

The growth in female enrollment is reflected in the subjects selected, with numerous pupils professions in the arts. The most popular undergraduate programme is the Bachelor of Arts (BA), closely followed by science, business, and engineering. The Master of Arts (MA) programme is the most popular postgraduate programme, indicating students' enduring interest in the humanities and social sciences. This trend dispels misconceptions about gendered education preferences and highlights students' diversity of academic interests.

Despite the emergence of private universities, government institutions remain dominant in higher education, which may indicate a move towards commercialization. A startling 73.7% of students choose government universities despite the abundance of private ones, showing their belief in the public education system. State public colleges stand out as the best option, drawing the most significant percentage of students and proving the long-term value of publicly supported education.

A picture of a wide range and inclusivity grows when we look more closely at the graduating population's profiles. Around 1.07 crore students completed various programs in the academic year 2021-2022, with women making up 50.8% of the graduating class. The social sciences and arts are the graduating bastions, with BA and MA degrees making up most undergraduate and graduate degrees given, respectively. Women are also making an impact at the doctoral level, earning degrees in many fields historically dominated by men, such as physics and engineering.

However, while we celebrate the progress made, we should not ignore the harsh reality of Indian rural women and members of marginalized communities such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) Struggle. Despite progress towards gender equality, such sections of the population still face social barriers to education, such as limited access to prestigious institutions, financial constraints, and discrimination from society.

Policymakers, educators, NGOs, and civil society stakeholders must work together to address these barriers. Ensuring that every person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to pursue higher education and reach their full potential requires initiatives that focus on improving access, providing financial aid, and raising awareness of the value of education. In addition to empowering individuals, putting inclusiveness and fairness first in education paves the way for a more elite and just society.

The increasing number of women pursuing higher education should be celebrated. It highlights breaking down barriers and shaping societal norms. However, it also emphasizes the importance of filling a permanent gap in pursuing higher education. As we move forward on this life-changing path, let us work to make education a trustworthy source of empowerment and a promising future for everyone, regardless of gender, caste, and socioeconomic status.

Akash Modak